Free online IFC to BMP converter

IFC files contain BIM geometry and project data, while BMP files contain flat raster images. Convert an IFC model to BMP when a viewer, document, image editor, print workflow, or archive requires a bitmap instead of an interactive 3D model.

What the IFC format is

IFC, or Industry Foundation Classes, is an open BIM exchange format used for walls, slabs, doors, building services, materials, properties, spatial structure, and relationships between construction elements. Architectural, engineering, and construction applications such as Revit, Archicad, Tekla Structures, Allplan, Vectorworks, and FreeCAD can create or export IFC files. You typically encounter IFC when receiving a coordination model, exchanging data between incompatible CAD/BIM systems, or reviewing a federated building model.

An IFC file is not a single camera view. It can contain multiple objects, levels, materials, metadata, and model geometry, so producing a BMP requires choosing a view and rendering or capturing the model.

What the BMP format is

BMP is a bitmap image format that stores pixels, commonly with 24-bit color and sometimes with 32-bit color including an alpha channel. It is supported by Windows applications, image editors, documentation systems, and many older print or visualization workflows.

BMP is straightforward to decode and normally preserves rendered pixels without JPEG-style compression artifacts. Its main disadvantage is file size: an uncompressed 1920 × 1080 24-bit BMP is roughly 6 MB before headers and optional compression. BMP does not retain IFC geometry, object properties, layers, BIM relationships, or editable camera-independent views.

How to actually convert IFC to BMP

For a quick file conversion without installing software, use the converter on 101convert.com: upload the IFC file, select BMP as the output format when available, start the conversion, and download the resulting bitmap. This is suitable when the service can generate a default model view; it may not provide the camera, visibility filters, materials, or resolution control needed for technical output.

For controlled results, render the IFC in Blender using the Bonsai add-on, formerly known as BlenderBIM:

1. Install Blender and the Bonsai add-on, then open or import the .ifc file through the add-on’s IFC workflow.
2. Check the model scale, units, materials, object visibility, and scene orientation.
3. Set the viewport or camera to the required plan, elevation, section, or perspective. Hide construction elements that should not appear in the image.
4. Choose a render engine and set the output resolution in the Output Properties panel. Use a white or transparent background as required.
5. Render with Render → Render Image.
6. Save the result with Image → Save As, choose BMP as the file type, and confirm the color mode and file path.

If only a visual reference is needed, an IFC viewer can display the model and its screenshot tool can capture the selected view. Save the screenshot as PNG first, then open it in an image editor such as GIMP or Paint and use File → Export As to select .bmp.

Quality and compatibility limits

The output resolution, camera angle, clipping, lighting, and hidden-object settings determine the BMP’s content; changing the file extension cannot create a meaningful view from IFC data. Large IFC models may require simplification or selective visibility before rendering because detailed geometry consumes substantial memory.

BMP is generally unsuitable for web delivery or large image collections because it is much larger than PNG or JPEG. Keep the original IFC alongside the BMP when model data, measurements, object selection, or future viewpoints may be needed. Export separate BMP files for separate views because one bitmap cannot preserve the IFC model’s interactive structure.